Undergraduates acquire skills at GTCrea8 Convention

By Prisca Sam-Duru

It was an overwhelming crowd comprising mainly students from tertiary institutions, that attended the maiden edition of GTCrea8 Convention for Undergraduates, held on Thursday  March 8, at the University of Lagos, Akoka.  The one day convention brought together undergraduates from universities  across Nigeria who are passionate about technology, digital media, creative writing, fashion, makeup artistry and music production to interact with role models in their areas of interests.  Organised by Guaranty Trust Bank plc, the GTCrea8 Convention which was highly innovative and entrepreneurial, featured Master classes facilitated by  captains of industries who not only enlightened the undergraduates with practical knowledge in their  areas of passion but also inspired them with their personal experiences on how to build a successful business  career out of their passions even while as undergraduates. The various categories of the Master classes include; The Business of Creative Writing handled by Lola  Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives; Technology was facilitated by Iyin Aboyeji, Co- Founder and Managing Director of Flutterwave; Uche Pedro, Founder of BellaNaija taught the students Digital Media; Makeup Artistry was handled by Anita Adetoye, Creative Director of Anita Brows while Fashion Design was taken by Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Creative Director of the self-named fashion label. Ms Lola Shoneyin who took the first master class in creative writing, began with narrating her journey through the writing terrain. She advised intending writers who could be in any faculty, to ensure they read voraciously, if they must become writers. Shoneyin also emphasised the need for them to attend readings, workshops, master classes, seminars and be around a community of writers.  Rather than engage in activities inimical to their academics or future,  Iyin Aboyeji advised students interested in technology to think outside the box and create something that could become a formidable platform for their self reliance when they graduate. Speaking about the GTCrea8 Convention, Managing Director and Chief  Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Segun Agbaje said the bank is committed to providing "Young people in tertiary institutions with a platform that enables them connect with peers and interact with role models in their  areas of interest. With the lineup of activities and the wealth of experience shared at the event, I am confident that the GTCrea8 Convention will have a lasting impact in helping the undergraduates build successful careers.” "Guaranty Trust Bank plc has been at the forefront of supporting education for all and champions several initiatives that provide undergraduates with various avenues to learn, interact and have fun while in school. Beyond the GTCrea8 Convention, the bank also runs the GTCrea8 Education Support Scheme  with which it offers financial support to undergraduates and the Campus Storms which brings Digital Skills Training as well as popular musicians and comedians to universities across the country.", He explained. Undergraduates acquire skills at GTCrea8 convention Show quoted text